After de controversial chapter 8, at the end I ended the expected chapter 9. Infact, it is like 2 or 3 chapters put together, not only for its lenght but for the so many different things happening in it.

I hope you like it...

CHAPTER
9

"Annie,
dear, you should rest," Ray said as he caressed his daughter's face.

"I'm
fine, daddy. You are the one who should rest. Do you fancy an orange
juice?" Ana stood up and rubbed her hands on her thighs. She felt
exhausted after spending three days beside his father, only barely leaving the
hospital to shower and change clothes.

"I
would love it. Thank you, darling. Take another one for yourself."

"Sure
dad. I'll be back shortly," Ana kissed the top of his head and went out of
the room.

She had
an important issue to manage before going to the cafeteria, but she kept it to
herself, not wanting Ray to worry about anything. She had to talk urgently with
the hospital administrators about the insurance coverage. She was pretty sure
it won't cover all the necessary treatment and she wanted to come to a
financial agreement. She was conducted to the right office almost immediately
just saying her name.

"Don't
worry about all the expenses, Ms' Steele. It is all covered" The man on
the other side of the desk said with a beaming smile intertwining his fingers
on the table.

"But...
there must be an error. I'm sure our insurance does not cover all the necessary
treatment..." Ana said trying to keep calm.

"I
know, madam. Your insurance is quite far from covering the basic treatment your
father needs... but someone has it covered".

"No,
Mr Christian Grey," The man replied slowly, like he was speaking to a
child.

"But...
I don't understand. Are you sure?" Ana made a face. She was astonished.

"I'm
positively sure, madam. I think you should ask Mr Grey if you have any
questions, but I suggest you simple accept the help and thank his
generosity," the man reprimanded her.

"Oh,
of course," Ana blushed profusely. She didn't want to sound rude, but it
was weird and very unexpected.

She walked
out of the office and called Kate; surely she was aware of all that, but she
didn't take the call and Ana left a voice message. It had to be some kind of
error, or that man was one of the most generous people in the world.

Then,
she went to the cafeteria, bought two orange juices and returned to Ray's room.

_§ § 0
§ §_

José
was checking the mixing desk in the radio studio. He was thinking about Ana. He
had screwed it up by far. Ana didn't deserve what he had done, and then, on top
of that, Ray's accident had happened... He sighed. At least, he had been able
to talk to her by phone, but they had avoided the club incident. Lost in his
thoughts, he didn't hear Michael coming.

"Hey,
José! How is it going? Do you have any news about Ana's father?"

"Oh,
hi Michael! Well, he's doing quite fine. He has been moved from the ICU to a
regular room now, but I think he will remain in hospital for quite a long time".

"Of
course... and has Ana already come here?"

"No,
not yet. But I think that she will return tomorrow. She and Kate are moving to Seattle this week, so she
has to pack all her stuff".

"Oh,
well then," Michael hesitated. "Can you do me a favour?"

"Of
course, man. Shoot".

"Here
you are" Michael gave him a closed envelope "It is supposed to be for
Ana... well... it is forMidnight Sun, but you
know..."

"Yeah,
I know" José's tone was harsh "And who gave you this envelope?"

"You
would never tell... Mr Grey gave me! He said one guy gave it to him. You
know... they thought he knows everyone in the world" Michael said air
quoting his last words.

"Well,
ok. I will give it to her," José took the envelope and inspected it.

"You
know... maybe it is from that mysterious guy Ana likes. Don't you think
so?" Michael said smiling.

"Yes,
I think so," José had a straight face and a lost look in his eyes.

"Well,
man. I have to go. See you!" Michael waved his hand and went out of the
soundproof room whistling.

José
stared at the envelope for ages. It was from that guy that was for sure. He
frowned. Maybe Michael was that guy and he had made up that story about Mr Grey
to cover himself. He remembered the way he was grabbing Ana's waist when they
were dancing at the club and his blood boiled in his veins. He folded the
envelope in two and kept it in the back pocket of his jeans. Would he tell Ana
or would he keep it to himself?

_§ § 0
§ §_

Christian
was sitting on the armchair in his office. He had his right leg bent, with his
ankle on his left knee. His left arm was resting on the armrest and the other
one holding a tumbler filled with an amber liquid. It was dark outside and he
hadn't bothered to switch on the lamp of his office; the distant city lights
barely projecting odd shades upon his face. He took a gulp of whiskey and felt
the burning heat running through his throat. He was in hell. He felt loss and
hatred. He had a permanent oppression on his chest, about to explode at any
time. But the worst was that he was feeling self-pity and that was a thing he
couldn't tolerate; not he, not Christian Grey. He was strong; he was the master
of his own universe. He took another big gulp until finishing the beverage and
smashed the glass to the opposite wall. He had to regain control; he needed it.
He took the remote control of his iPod and turned up the volume of the song
that was playing in the background.

"No one knows
what it's like

to feel these
feelings

like I do.

And I blame you.

No one bites back
as hard

on their anger.

None of my pain
and woe

can show through.

But my dreams

They aren't as
empty

as my conscience
seems to be.

I have hours, only
lonely.

My love is
vengeance

That's never
free"

His
face turned into determination as he grabbed his Blackberry. The one on the
other side of the line didn't make Christian wait, the velvet sound of her
voice caressing his ears.

"Christian..."

"Elena,
we have to talk. I want you to get me another submissive. You know what I
like"

"Well
Christian. Welcome back. And yes, I know you so well... and I know what you
need..."Her devilish smile could be heard through the phone line.

_§ § 0
§ §_

Kate
hugged Ana tightly when she arrived to the apartment.

"Oh,
Ana, I'm so glad Ray is doing well! What about you? You might be
exhausted!" Kate let her go and led her to the coach.

"By
the way, here is your degree" Kate handed it out to Ana with a sad smile.
"I'm sad you couldn't be there! Christian gave it to me".

"Christian?
You mean Mr Christian Grey?" Ana said amused.

"Well,
yes. You know, he's my boyfriend's brother, so I can call him Christian,"
Kate replied waving her hand nonchalantly.

"Ummm...
By the way, I need to talk to him. Did you know he is paying Ray's treatment?
It's very generous, but I can't allow him to do it!"

"I
know, Ana. He told us the graduation day. I was very impressed; he did not
doubt for a minute to offer his help. It was... so unselfish. He's a good man
indeed".

"I
think so, but I don't want to take advantage of him".

"And
what are you going to do? I mean... Ray needs the treatment".

"I
know. I've tried to reach him by phone, but there's a wall of personal
assistants, lawyers and other different kinds of employees who had prevented me
to talk to him. So... I've decided that I will pay him back a little amount of
money every month, even if I have to keep doing it until I die." Ana
stated with a determined expression on her face. "I will tell him directly
once I have my first salary. This way he won't be able to say no!" Ana
said with a winning smile. "But I will need you or Elliot to intercede".

"Ok,
I will help you... but I'm not sure Christian will give up so easily. I think
he is a bit stubborn".

"So
do I," Ana replied crossing her arms on her chest.

"Oh,
hell yes," Kate chuckled. "By the way... there's another thing I have
to tell you. After the interview for the newspaper he asked me whoMidnight Sun
was".

"Really?"

"Yes.
He told me something about someone telling him how good you were. I didn't tell
him anything, but I think that if he thinks you are good, you should consider
telling him. I mean, it could mean some great job opportunities, don't you
think so?"

"Well...
I'll give it a thought." Ana wanted to change the subject rapidly.
"So... Elliot and you have something serious, haven't you?"

"Definitely,
yes," Kate nodded fervently.

"I'm
so glad for you both... You two made such a perfect couple!" Ana smiled
warmly to her friend.

"I
think he is perfect for me!" Kate's eyes flashed with sparkles.

Ana
remained quiet for some seconds, fidgeting her fingers and staring at them.
"Did he show up?" Ana asked almost imperceptibly.

"No,
he has not." Ana sighed. "I didn't show up, so... I understand him.
But I thought he maybe would want to contact me again. It seems I was wrong".
Ana had a knot in the pit of the stomach. "Anyway... sure it was another
one of my silly things". Ana sighed again.

"I
don't think so, Ana. I mean... I know I've always told you that you had to grow
up, face reality... you know... but this... it seemed so special. It was weird,
but even so, I think you two are connected in some deep level".

Kate
was right. Ana couldn't fool herself. There was something indelible between
them. Even Kate had noticed it. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to
calm down. What could she do now?

_§ § 0
§ §_

José
and Ana were in the meeting room of the multimedia classroom building, sitting
one opposite the other, with the large table between them. She was sure he
wouldn't try anything after their encounter outside the pub; she could see his
guilty expression, but still she was so pissed off with him. José felt ashamed,
he could barely look Ana in the eye, but he wanted to get back their
relationship. Ana's friendship, although insufficient for him, was valuable
enough.

"Soooo
that... the last program. Do you have something in mind? It has to be something
big; the greatMidnight
Sun will leave college". José
chuckled.

"Yes,
the greatMidnight
Sun... that's who I am". Ana remained
silent for some seconds, and then smiled sadly. "José, I have to thank you
for this opportunity you gave me."

Ana's
words surprised José and he frowned. "You are very welcome, Ana, but you
don't have to. It's been a pleasure to work with you. If someone has to be
grateful that is me."

"It's
been fun, educational and challenging. I've enjoyed a lot. And I had the chance
to know..." Ana stopped in her tracks.

Then,
José reached for his backpack and took out a closed envelope. He stared at it
for a few seconds and then gave it to Ana. She took it with trembling fingers
and read the written name.

"Michael
gave me this the next day of the graduation. He told me some guy gave it to
him. I
do not think that he were the guy who wrote the letter”.

"Thank
you" Ana whispered and almost automatically stood up and left the room,
holding onto the envelope with both hands as if her life depended on it.

Ana
began walking numbly. Her limbs moved automatically. Her view was blurred and
she was breathing in an uneven way. She reached her apartment without realizing
it, walked in her bedroom and closed the door. She stared at the envelope. She
brushed with her fingertips her penname, written with a neat handwriting with
slightly cursive letters leant to the left, indicating the strong and
intimidating surface of the person who wrote it, just hiding his need for
contact with people.So
Fifty, she thought.

With trembling
hands, she opened the envelope and read the letter:

I've been waiting for you for hours. In
fact, I think I've been waiting for you all my life, but I didn't know. But you
didn't come.

I've bared my soul to you. I felt that
if I showed you the real me, with all my shades, you wouldn't escape from me. I
trusted you. But you fucking didn't come.

Ana
gasped reading the last words.

I believed there was something special
between us. I only felt this way once in my life, during one brief and precious
moment that escaped from my fingers because I behaved as a coward. I didn't
want to be a coward again. But it has been in vain.

The first time I heard you I felt
something similar that in that occasion. That scared me as hell, but at the
same time it gave me hope. The loneliness seemed to fade. And this feeling grew
bigger and bigger every time I listened to you. It seemed you understood me...
What a fool have I been!

That precious person told me not to give
up. But she had to go away, and I didn't reach out to her at the time to tell
her what I felt. Anyway, I probably didn't deserve her. I know it was for the
best. You also told me not to give up. I even found similarities between both
of you; the way she pierced my soul with her deep blue eyes, reaching to my
black core, was the same way you warmed my soul with your words. With your
sweet voice. Sweet and spicy. Yes, sweet and spicy.

Her memory has walked with me during
these six years, but you replaced her in my mind. Funnily, I put her image as
yours when I thought about you... Don't blame me. I couldn't help it. I put the
image of the most beautiful creature I have ever seen as the face of the most
incredible woman I've ever heard. I still can feel the tingling sensation in my
fingertips as they caressed her soft lips...

I know you are good. Too good for me.
That's the reason you didn't show up; you realized it. Now I know my place. Now
I know what I have to do. I know it was just a sweet delusion... but it was
nice to fantasize about you and me.

Now I have to take control again. Good
bye.

Her
mind travelled six years before, spinning around in a frenzy trip, as her hand
reached her bottom lip. Was it that possible? Was it possible thatFiftywas the boy in Mr Harris' shop...? She closed her
eyes and his grey eyes appeared in her mind; sad, smouldering, beautiful. Was
it possible that he came to see her again? It would be too much of a
coincidence, wouldn't it? She recalled his written words... in fact, she
remembered all the e-mails he had written word by word:

"I don't know you, but I feel somehow
connected to you. I think you remind me of someone I met in the past; someone
who I really didn't get to know neither."

"From the very first time I heard
your voice I was drawn to you, and transported to a place I was only once, and
where I thought I would never return. That was a door I never thought would be
opened again."

It was
him all the time, and although she had felt it from the very beginning, she had
been too blind to acknowledge it.Then, she realized that
it was her that hadn't appeared in this occasion. Her eyes filled with longing
tears and the load that was in her chest became heavier. Was he giving up on
her? She suddenly felt she couldn't breathe properly. She could not lose him.
Not again.

_§ § 0
§ §_

Ana was
about to begin her last program asMidnight Sun. She
turned her head and looked at José through the glass window of the studio. He
nodded to her with a sad smile and left the room, closing the door quietly. Ana
had asked him to leave; after all that happened, she did not want him to be
there to witness her feelings towards another. She sighed heavily and modulated
her shaky voice.

"Hello
ladies and gentlemen, I'mMidnight Sun and here
we are to fill your heart with music". She sighed again and placed both
her elbows on the desk, leaning her head between both her hands. "This is
our last program. As most of you know, the other day I got my graduation
degree. Another life is waiting for us. A lot of expectations. New experiences.
New challenges. New opportunities. But I think I have lost mine. Do I?"
She hid a sob and continued. "Now I'm talking to you, Fifty. I know how you feel... I fucking know so well! Just let
me explain... I couldn't come to meet with you... but we can... we should... we
have to! I can't believe it was you all the time... you... my grey-eyed boy.
The man with the most beautiful and sad eyes I have ever seen. Are you, indeed?
Believe me; I know how you feel... Please, I beg you not to give up. Not yet. I
think that this song by A Great Big World could help me to explain..."

Ana
pressed the precise button and the neat and sweet notes of a piano filled the
space. She placed her head on the desk, with her eyes closed, the tears
moistening her eyelashes.

Say something, I'm
giving up on you.

I'll be the one, if you want me to.

Anywhere I would've followed you.

Say something, I'm giving up on you.

And I am feeling so small.

It was over my head,

I know nothing at all.

And I will stumble and fall.

I'm still learning to love,

Just starting to
crawl.

Say something, I'm giving up on you.

I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you.

Anywhere I would've followed you.

Say something, I'm giving up on you.

"I
still feel that tingling sensation on my bottom lip. I still feel your
fingertips brushing slightly against it. The fear I felt when you did it has
transformed into a longing sensation. I've dreamed it were your lips thousands
of times". Ana closed her eyes and touched her lips. "I never thought
you came. I was just a silly girl, and you were... you were unattainable."
Ana smiled and chuckled sourly. "But somehow I felt it; there was
something in your words that remind me of that incredible boy... I could feel
the same sadness that filled your music. I could feel the same passion that
filled your eyes. People said I was silly for falling for a dream. In fact, I
thought the same way, but I couldn't help it. Now, knowing you're there... I
have to reach to you".

Ana
took the guitar that was on the floor besides her, and positioned the
microphone.

"This
song tells a lot about my feelings during all these years. It isTalking to the
moon by Bruno Mars". She strummed her
guitar and began singing with her eyes closed, trying to put all her soul into
the words.

I know
you're somewhere out there,

somewhere far away.

I want you back.

I want you back.

My
neighbors think I'm crazy

but they don't understand.

You're all I have.

You're all I have.

At
night when the stars

light up my room

I sit by myself

talking
to the moon, tryin' to get to you.

In hopes you're on the other side talking to me too.

Or, am I a fool who sits alone talking to the moon.

She finished the song with that heavy load in her
chest.

"You have walked with me since we met. Your
presence was always there, reassuring me, warming me and, I can't deny it, also
torturing me sometimes. But I craved it. I wanted it to be that way." She
left the guitar on the floor again and pressed some other buttons. "I want
to show you something. This piece was recorded almost six years ago. My father
did it during one of my piano lessons. I always thought it was charming and
full of hope, and I couldn't help thinking about you while playing. I hope you
like it".

The sweet piano notes of Debussy'sClaire de Lune
enveloped Ana. It wasn't a very good recording; there
was some kind of white noise and you could hear the piano teacher muttering
something in the background, but it was very special for her. That song always
eased that heavy load. She hoped he could feel the same too.

When it finished, Ana remained silent. That was it.
She only hoped he gave her another try.

"We are finishing the program, and all I can do
is thank you all for the support you gave us during this incredible year. It
has been filled with up and downs, a well-known secret and lots of feelings. But
it was worth it, and I don't regret anything. I want to share with you this
last song by Nelly Furtado,All the good things,
and wish you luck and a life full of happiness". The gipsy-like tune began
and Ana leaned back on her chair, massaging her temples with her fingers. Now
she had to face reality.

Honestly, what
will become of me

Don't like reality

It's way too clear to me

But really life is dandy

We are what we don't see

Miss everything daydreaming

Flames to dust

Lovers to friends

Why do all good things come to an end

José leaned on his bed after the end of the program.
It was crystal clear that Ana was totally smitten with that guy, and probably
he was feeling the same. He felt guilty for almost not showing her the letter.
He loved her, well, some kind of, but he knew she was not for him.

Christian let out the breath he didn't know he was
holding. He had been there, staring at the screen of his laptop for two hours,
waiting for the program to be finished, without switching on the volume. He
didn't need to hear her lies, but he wanted to see the end of the story. That was
it. He had now the so treasured control he needed. He did not need her anymore.
He turned up the volume of the laptop and then switched it off.

_§ § 0
§ §_

Ana put
the last bag into the moving van. Although Kate had a lot of items, mostly
books, clothes and shoes, Ana's keyboard, guitar and LPs collection occupied
most of the trunk. She also had a huge collection of books.

"Wow,
Ana, your stuff is way better than Kate's" Elliot mocked as he made a face
to Kate "but it is heavier than anything!"

"Oh,
Elliot, I thought it wouldn't be a problem for such a strong man like you"
Ana mimicked Elliot's face.

Kate
hugged Ana with affection and smiled to Elliot, blowing a kiss to him. She had
asked him to cheer Ana up. She was behaving almost like a ghost since the last
radio program; quiet, subdued… always with a sad smile on her face, trying to
hide her real feelings. Elliot, of course, didn't know exactly what was eating
her; Kate had not elaborated at all, but he liked Ana and he didn't want to see
her like this. He kept joking all the time. Kate and Elliot convinced Ana to
carry Wanda in another truck to move it as it was kind of dangerous to drive
all the way to Seattle, so they did the trip in Kate's Mercedes, taking turns
to drive. Chatting with Ana, he discovered that she could also speak a bit of
Spanish; she had studied it as a second language in college instigated by some
of the music José used to listen to. So they teased Kate from that moment.
Elliot mentioned his brother's sudden interest for that language too, but he
didn't elaborate his reasons, and Ana and Kate assumed it was due to some big
deal in South America.

The
moving went well, but they were exhausted when they arrived to Seattle. The
apartment was quite spacious, with an open space concept and three big bedrooms
with en-suite bathrooms. It was situated in the Pike Place Market District,
near the financial district, the Elliot bay, and plenty of little fancy
restaurants and shops.

Christian
also had something to do the day of the moving; he had to pick up his sister
Mia from Sea-Tac Airport. She was coming from Paris, where she had been for
some months working for an eminent chef. She was excited to see her brother,
especially since Elliot had told her how he had dramatically changed since Christmas.
She was sure it had to do with a woman… or maybe a man, although she had never
thought her brother was gay, so she was willing to see him and ask him about
it.

"Oh,
Christian, I've missed you so much!" Mia approached him and hugged him
tightly. She was the only one who could touch Christian in such a way.
Christian did not fear her; he had thought about it a lot, and he and Dr Flynn
had arrived to the conclusion that it was because Christian had never seen her
as a threat.

"Wow,
Mia! Slow down please!" Christian yelled at her.

She
frowned and looked him in the eye. "What's wrong, Christian?"

"Nothing,
Mia. It's only that you almost knocked me down. How was the trip, Mia?"

"Bufff…
long. Tiresome," Mia made a face. "But I know you're not telling me
the truth. I can see it in your eyes…"

"Let
me be, Mia" Christian's tone was harsh. Then, he softened a bit. "I'm
sorry. I've had a bad day, that's all. Let's drive you home; you must be
exhausted". What could he tell his sister? My soul is lost in a black pool. I'm a shell of a man, Mia. But it is
not something new… it's always been this way.

Mia
knew there was something more, but she decided to leave her brother in peace
and save her grilling for a better moment.

_§ § 0
§ §_

Ana
went out for a walk. First, she went to Mr. Harris’ shop. She wanted to say
hello, and maybe ask him about something about that boy… but she found the shop
closed. So, she decided to look around her new neighbourhood. She also wanted
to give Kate and Elliot some privacy. They were acting as if she was made of
crystal, afraid of breaking her. It was kind of them, but it was also very
unnerving. Ana didn't want them to feel sorry for her; she was not that kind of
person who gloated over her self-pity.

She
loved the little cozy restaurants and fancy shops that surrounded their
apartment. One vintage music shop caught her attention and she entered into it.
There was a huge section of second hand LPs and another one of different
collector items. It was almost paradise! Lost in thoughts, she walked through
the corridors enjoying the smell of cardboard and dust while Shirley Manson's
hypnotizing moans filled her brain with sick declarations of love. She didn't
notice the young man standing at the end of the shop. He was watching her
intently, with a huge grin showing his perfect teeth and a spark of amusement
in his green eyes.

"Hey
you". He told.

"Oh,
hey yourself". Ana answered, startled.

"I've
never seen you before, so you must be a newcomer at Pike Place Market. I could
never forget those beautiful eyes". He said with a beaming smile.

"Ummm…
yes, I am. I've just moved from Vancouver," Ana blushed furiously. "I
like your shop. You know, I'm a freak when it comes to all of this stuff,"
Ana said to change the subject.

"Not
only beautiful but also interesting," he teased her. He had noticed she
was a shy girl and was enjoying her embarrassment. "By the way, do you
sing?"

"Why
do you ask?" Ana asked arching a brow.

"Look;
there's a local radio station that holds a singing contest. It's kind of a
karaoke. We record the songs here and they play them on the radio during the
week."

Ana
widened her eyes. If he still was living in Seattle, maybe she could reach to
him again like this. She felt her limbs go weak for a moment, but recomposed
herself almost immediately.

"A
local radio station? Ok, let's do it!"

"Perfect!
Your name is…?"

"My
name is Ana, but I will be singing as Midnight
Sun. One more thing… may I ask you to sing with me?"

_§ § 0
§ §_

Christian
yelled for the umpteenth time in the morning. He was pissed off as all his
employees seemed to fail miserably again and again in all their basic tasks. He
couldn't stand the minimum mistake, and he was taking all his frustration out
on them.

"Andrea!
I want Barney here right now!" Christian snapped at his personal
assistant.

He
rubbed furiously his face with both his hands and then pulled his hair on the
way back. He was over the edge. He couldn't stand people around him; he would
have wanted to be isolated, but he had an empire to run. For fuck's sake; he
couldn't even stand to look at his own image in the mirror.

There
was a shy knock at the door and Barney entered the room nonchalantly doing the
geek salute. At least, he was a fucking genius and never failed, Christian
thought.

"Hello,
Mr Grey. Andrea told me you wanted me to come."

"Yes,
Barney. The security protocols have to be updated a.s.a.p. It has to be your
top priority".

"They
were updated this past night, sir. I'm well aware of the importance of the
matter. I've just e-mailed you the summary." He said calmly.

Christian
felt his nerves calm a bit. Yes, he needed the fucking control and everything
around him to be like it should be. "Well done, Barney."

"Do
you need anything more, sir?" Barney requested.

"No,
Barney. You can leave now."

"Ok…"
He was leaving when he turned on his heels and began talking. "Did you
listen to the last program of that girl in WSU radio?"

Christian
felt all his muscles tense again. "What girl?" He said with a poker
face.

"ThatMidnight Sun. I thought you used to listen to the program."

"Only
occasionally," Christian felt a sharp pain in his chest hearing her name.Who do you want to
kid asshole?

"Oh,
it was awesome! It was her last program, because she has graduated."

"I
suppose it was a big party, wasn't it?" Christian couldn't hide the
bitterness in his words, but Barney didn't seem to notice.

"Well,
not exactly," Barney was standing in front of Christian with his hands
stuffed into the pocket of his pants. "It was kind of sad actually."

"No,
it was not that. She said something about losing her opportunity. She was
apologizing for something… I was not paying attention. I think it had something
to do with thatFifty
guy."

"It
must be a fake, Barney. You know show business," Christian said sourly.

"My
girlfriend doesn't think so," Barney shrugged.

"Do
you have a girlfriend?" Christian sounded more surprised than he wanted to
show, but, again, Barney didn't mind at all.

"Yes,
she's great." He took his phone and showed Christian a photo of a petite
blond haired girl with smart hazel eyes and a beaming smile in a geek costume.
"She says Midnight Sun is for
real and that if she didn't come to some random meeting with someone there
might be a good reason for sure. You know, she's kind of a romantic."

Christian
didn't say anything. His mind went blank. She didn't come. She fucking didn't
come. He took his iPod from a drawer and put the headphones on. He chose the
song and reclined in the armchair, closing his eyes. He had a painful rage
pounding in his chest. The solemn notes of a keyboard reaching his core. She
had left him hanging. She had betrayed him. But deep in his heart, his cold
black heart, he knew he needed her.

Out here alone, I will wear a thousand
faces.

I'm still waiting, the master of disguise.

Can't you hear me calling in my deepest desperation?

I talked to the angels, cause I'd broken every rule.

And if you hurt me, there's a way back to you.

I found a reason out in this mystery.

A touch of heaven.

I opened up my soul.

Don't leave me waiting

until my heart is gone.

It takes two times.

There's no holding back now

until I found you again.

Tears of rage.

_§ § 0 § §_

Ana
entered the remodeled industrial unit whereEverybody's possession office, the music magazine where Jack Hyde worked as the
editor in chief, was settled. She had e-mailed her resumé to him two days
before, and had an appointment with him. The brick walls of the reception were
all covered with tens of LPs sleeves, from the twenties to the present day.
There was also a jukebox with some comfy sofas on the left side of the room, and
the reception desk on the other side. Right in the middle of the front wall
there was the elevator door, with an art-deco spirit that contrasted with the
modern decoration. The Afro-American woman on the desk smiled at her warmly.

"Good
morning. I'm Anastasia Steele to meet with Mr Hyde," Ana said trying to
sound as professional as possible.

"Oh,
dear, Mr Hyde is not here at the moment; something unexpected came up and he
had to leave just an hour ago. But he requested me to welcome you to our
magazine and gave you your schedule and other details about the job. You will
start next week," She beamed, handing her out a folder.

"Do
you mean that I'm in?" Ana asked incredulously.

"That's
right. Your work will be as an editor, but you'll have to do some field work
doing some interviews too. Mr Hyde told me you already talked about it a little
some months ago. The salary details, holiday breaks, benefits and things like
that are specified in the documents I've already give to you. Mr Hyde will
clarify anything you are unsure of."

"Ok,
thank you so much. I will be here next Monday."

Ana was
about to enter Wanda when her telephone rang. "Ana Steele speaking…"

"Anastasia,
this is Jack Hyde."

"Hello,
Mr Hyde. I have just left the building."

"Yes,
I know. I called there just a moment ago. I'm sorry I could not meet you;
something came up and I had to leave. In fact, this call is related with it.
I'm calling to offer you a job."

"A
job?" Ana sounded puzzled.

"Well,
another job. I hope you can begin inEverybody's next Monday."

"You
can count with it. You know that I'm honoured with the opportunity you are
bringing me."

"Ok,
so you can't leave in the lurch now. Let me explain you: some friends of mine
have a little orchestra, you know, something classy and intimate; a piano, a
guitar, a cello and a sax. They use to play in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. I'm
here with them right now. They have been requested to play in an important
charity event that will be held by one of the most influential families in
Seattle. But they also want a singer, and I thought about you."

"Me,
as a singer?" Ana asked with a hint of fear in her voice.

"You
can sing, Anastasia. I know you do. I could recognize your signature in every
piece you have sung and played at the radio," Hyde stated without a doubt
whatsoever. Ana blushed at her naivety. "Besides, it will be very well
paid."

Ana
thought hard about it. She needed the money. She preferred to be hidden behind
the safety of a studio, but she loved to sing, and if she wanted to pay Ray's
bills to Mr Grey she had to do something bigger.

"Ok,"
she conceded. "Will I be able to play the piano too?"

"We
can talk about it. Can you come to the Fairmont Olympic now? You will meet the
boys and maybe you can get to know each other, rehearse together and choose the
repertory."

"Ok.
Give me twenty minutes."

_§ § 0
§ §_

Elliot
was driving his convertible on a Saturday morning. The sun was warming his skin
and he was listening to music on the radio. He felt happy. He had gone to check
the construction of his last project and then he was going to have lunch with
his adorable Kate. Later, they will meet again to go to the Coping Together
masked ball. It was a party that his parents organized every year to get funds
for that charity, so close to their heart, as it was about children whose
parents were abusing drugs. Christian was also a very important donor, but his
involvement was from the distance; it was too painful for him yet. His phone
rang and the hands free device switched on.

"Elliot
Grey speaking," He said with a musical tone in his voice.

"Hello
Elliot. This is Christian," His tone was breathless.

"Wait
a moment, bro. I can't hear you properly". He pressed a button and the top
of the car rolled down. "Talk to me little bro."

"I've
revised those contracts you gave me and they seem quite good," Christian
said panting. "I will hand them to you tonight at the masked ball".

"Oh,
it will be so much fun, bro! What are you doing? Are you fighting with
someone?"

"I'm
in the gym with Claude," Christian said as he dodged a blow. Claude was
his personal trainer, an ex-Olympic kickboxing champion. Then, something on the
other side of the phone line caught his attention. He stopped in his tracks.
"Where are you, Elliot?"

"Sorry,
bro. I was not paying attention. She sounds great, doesn't she? It's a girl
singing in some kind of karaoke contest from that local radio of Pike Place
Market… Wait a minute," Elliot read the information in the digital screen
of his car radio. "It says Midnight
Sun. Evanescence, Bring me to life. Why do you ask, Christian?"

Christian
felt all the blood draining from his face. "I have to go Elliot." He
left his brother wondering what just happened. He excused himself to Claude and
went quickly to his Penthouse. Although he was just at the gym in Escala's
basement, the trip on the elevator seemed endless. When the doors opened, he
ran to the living room and searched for the radio frequency, until her voice
enveloped him in a warm embrace.

Now that I know
what I'm without

you can't just
leave me.

Breathe into me
and make me real.

Bring me to life.

(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside.

(I can't wake up) Wake me up inside.

(Save me) Call my name and save me from the dark.

(Wake me up) Bid my blood to run

(I can't wake up) before I come undone.

(Save me) Save me from the nothing I've become.

Bring me to life (I've been living a lie, there's nothing inside).

Bring me to
life.

He
stood paralyzed in the middle of the room, the heavy load on his chest
lightening a bit only hearing her sweet voice filled with longing. Why, why on
earth was she doing this after standing him up like that? And who was that
fucker who was singing with her? Was he that José of the WSU radio? He felt
dizzy and his hands felt numb. He stared at them, flexing his fingers into a
fist. He had to listen to that last program. He went to his office and locked
the door behind him. His vision was blurred. He searched for the favourites bar
and reached to the link of her last program. He remembered the anger he felt
the last time he stared at that screen. But in that moment, he had to know.
After what Barney had told him, and hearing her today… he needed answers. And
he craved listening to her again. He gasped at the sound of her lovely voice.
He felt a sharp pain in his chest hearing her hiding a sob.

"I know how you feel... I fucking
know so well! Just let me explain... I couldn't come to meet with you... but we
can... we should... we have to!"

Her
urgency sent shivers through his spine and made goose bumps all over his body.

"I can't believe it was you all the
time... you... my grey-eyed boy."

Christian's
heart missed a beat and he reached a hand to his throat. He gulped heavily. Did
she know him? Did they ever meet?

"I still feel that tingling sensation
on my bottom lip. I still feel your fingertips brushing slightly against
it."

Christian
reached his hand to his mouth, slightly opened, and sucked the fingertips with
the tip of his tongue with his eyes closed.

"I've dreamed it were your lips
thousands of times."

Realization
hit him. WasMidnight
SunAnnie? How was it possible that she
kept thinking about him all the time? He didn't deserve it, but fuck, a hot
longing filled his entire body and soul, making him feel utterly incomplete
without her. It was her all the time. He knew it, deep in his heart, his black
heart, from the very first moment. It was like a siren call; he got trapped
within it. And it seemed she also had felt it.

"Now, knowing you're there... I have
to reach to you."

In that
moment, he didn't mind the reasons of her standing him up. She was trying to
catch his attention again; she was not giving up on him. He had to reach her
too.

He
listened intently to her singing Bruno MarsTalking to the moon with her guitar. "I play piano and guitar," she said six years ago biting her bottom lip. He had
pleaded her to stop with his eyes, and she had obliged. Now, he wanted to bite
that luscious lip. He was feeling something expanding in his chest, threatening
to explode. It was overwhelming; he had to bend in his chair to catch some air.

And
when Debussy's Claire de Lune began,
he could not help it anymore and began crying like a child. They were the
repressed tears gathered during all these years. That door was opened again,
waiting for her to come. He felt vulnerable, but more alive than ever.

Christian
spent all the morning and part of the afternoon in his office. He kept sat on
the floor, in the same spot he had fallen when he began crying. His mind was
dribbling crazy; only focusing in one thing; he had to find her. She was the
only woman who had shaken him not once, but twice. There was some deep
connection between them that could not be denied. And yes, he was scared to the
bone, but he was more scared of not having her.

Christian
rubbed his face with both his hands. He didn't know how long he had been there.
He stood up and felt his limbs numbed. He shook them for a while and unlocked
the door.

"Jesus
Christ, Christian! I was about to knock down the door! Mrs Jones has told me
you've been here, locked in your office, for hours. She says she came to ask
you for having lunch, but you didn't answer, even when she could hear
you".

"Has
she called you to come here?" Christian asked dumbfounded.

"No,
she hasn't. I decided to come to pick up the contracts. But Taylor was about to
call mum!" Elliot said, waving his hands. "What happened, Christian?
Are you ok?"

Christian
frowned. How many hours had he spent in there? He sighed and looked Elliot in
the eye.

"I'm
ok, Elliot... only a little bit lost." He smiled. He needed some help; not
only to find her but to cope with all that turmoil of feelings. Besides, he once
told his brother he was going to tell him the story. "I've got to tell you
something. Do you remember that Spanish song...?"

Christian
explained to Elliot his encounter with Annie six years before, and then how he
had revived all those feelings listening to Midnight
Sun on the radio. How they had decided to meet and how he felt when she
didn't appear. He told him the harsh words he wrote to her. And finally told
him what he had just found out. Elliot understood all the changes in Christian
demeanour the past days.

"Wow,
Christian. It is kind of mystical. What are you going to do?" Elliot was
astonished.

"I
have to find her, Elliot. I need to. I'm sure she's the one. But I'm afraid of
freaking out and screw it up, too. You know, I'm a loner."

"Well,
bro. I will be here to warn you if you behave like a moron."

_§ § 0
§ §_

Ana
drove to Bellevue, Seattle's largest suburb across Lake Washington, where the
charity party was being held. It turned out that it was the same ball Elliot
had asked Kate to go to as his 'plus one', and it was being held by his
parents. She was a little less stressed as Kate would be there. Moreover, she
could talk to Mr Christian Grey about repaying him for Ray's hospital bills.

She was
wearing a chiffon pale pink maxi dress she had bought in an outlet shop the day
before with Kate's help. In fact, Kate was thrilled with it. Hyde asked her to
dress that colour, as it was one of the decoration theme of the party. Her
companions were wearing gray suits with pink ties. She was also wearing the
grey peep-toes she had bought for the graduation day and it was a little hard
to drive Wanda with them, but she did it. When she arrived, she was conducted
to a parking lot for employees, situated at the back of the house. She met her
partners there and they entered together to the spectacular mansion by the back
door. She thanked her good luck for it being a masked ball; this way she could
not only hide behind the piano but also behind mask.

Grace
Trevelyan-Grey welcomed them warmly at the large kitchen that was full of
people working and that smelled delicious. She was a beautiful and elegant
woman, with smart eyes full of kindness.

"Thank
you so much for coming, guys, especially at such a short call!" She said
clasping her hands together in front of her chest. Then she looked at Anastasia
with motherly gaze. "Let me tell you, darling, that you are lovely in that
dress. It really suits you."

Ana
blushed profusely. "Thanks, madam."

"Please,
call me Grace. And don't be so shy! Are you the singer?"

"Yes,
madam... I mean, Grace. Well, I will be playing the piano too."

They
settled all the arrangements and made all the necessary preparations in the
small circular stage situated in the centre of an enormous canopy that was
surrounded by circular tables decorated in pale pink and grey. Despite all the
tables there was enough room for the guests to dance.

Ana
took a deep breath. She was really nervous.

"Don't
be nervous, I'm sure we will be enjoying your music."

Ana
turned her head and saw Grace beaming at her. She also smiled.

"Thanks
again, Grace. May I ask you something?"

"Of
course, dear."

"Well,
I suppose you know Katherine Kavanagh, Elliot's girlfriend."

"Oh,
yes! She's such a clever girl! And beautiful, too. Do you know her?"

"Oh,
he's doing fine, really fine. That's why I wanted to talk to you. Did you know
that your son Christian is paying his rehabilitation? I mean... I would like to
thank him personally, and also to find a way to pay him back... somehow. Would
you mind to introduce me to him? It's hard to get to him sometimes!"

"Don't
mind, darling. It's done. Christian is a good man, really generous, although
sometimes he seems not to know..." Grace voice failed a little
"Although he's stubborn, and maybe he will refuse your payback."

"At
least I want to try! Thank you so much, Grace."

_§ § 0
§ §_

Elliot
and Kate arrived at the party. They left the car at the entrance and a valet
took the car. They saw Christian approaching behind them with a plain black
mask on his face, and they waited for him.

"How
are you doing, bro?" Elliot patted Christian's arm, and he returned him a
quick hug, which startled Elliot.

"Fine,
man. Hello, Kate. You are stunning."

"Thank
you, Christian," Kate looked at Elliot with a questioning face, arching a
brow. She knew Christian was more a "hands off" kind of guy. Elliot
shrugged.

"It's
a long story," He whispered in her ear.

Christian
went to meet his parents and the couple went to meet Ana. Her companions were
already playing some soft background music, and she was sat on a stool between
them. She waved them hello from the distance.

"Wow,
Ana! You are amazing!" Elliot told.

Kate
hit him on the side with her elbow playfully. "I told you, Ana. And this
mask really suits you too."

"Thanks
you both. I'm really happy you're here."

They
walked through the tables and Elliot introduced Kate to some influential
people. Then, they sat on their designated table.

"Your
mother is a genius! She has an excellent taste; everything is perfect, even the
minimum details," Kate said.

"Yes,
she is. She's amazing," Elliot answered, his voice clearly filled with
love for his mother.

"And
you will be speechless when you hear Ana singing."

"I
didn't know she was a singer."

"Yes,
she is. But she's so shy... Let me tell you something. But you have to promise
you won't tell anyone. Ana will kill me..." Kate moved closer to Elliot.
"She has been ruling a radio program at WSU radio our last year at
college, but she used a penname. She's so shy and insecure sometimes..."

"A
radio program? And she also sang?" Elliot widened his dark blue eyes.

"Oh,
she's not. It's a long story. I have to find Christian!" Elliot kissed
Kate fervently and stormed out.

_§ § 0
§ §_

Grace
almost cried when Christian hugged her when he arrived. She didn't know what
was happening with her younger son, but she thanked the lord whatever it was.

"I
have to tell you some things, mother. Can we sit down in a quieter place for a
while?" Christian asked her mother brushing her hand with his. Grace was
about to ask his son when Elena approached them.

"Elena,
dear. How nice to see you!" Grace said.

She was
wearing a black strapless dress that hugged all her curves, with a golden mask
with black feathers.

"Grace,
you've hit the nail again. Everything is just perfect. Congratulations to
you." Elena said with her cold usual demeanour.

"Hello,
Elena." Christian said with a short nod of his head.

"Hello,
Christian. That mask really suits you," She said with a smirk.
"Grace, I would want to speak with Christian for a while. You know,
business."

Grace
looked at Christian and he assented with his eyes. "Ok, we will meet
later, then."

When
they were alone, Elena fisted her hands on her hips and smirked again.

"I
didn't know you had overcome your haphephobia."

"You
didn't know me so well, Elena. Look, the other day... I was wrong. I'm sorry,
but I don't want you to get me a submissive."

"What's
going on, Christian? You're not the same. You are weak. You are not in control."

"Don't
you dare toy with me, Christian..." She approached him with a menacing
glare. Christian confronted her with a death look in his eyes. In that moment,
Elliot arrived.

"Christian,
I was looking for you! Hi, Elena!" Elliot was almost breathless.

"Elliot,
this is not a good moment," Christian's demeanour had changed; he was in
his dominant persona.

"Yes,
it is. This is the perfect moment. The right one. You have to come with me.
Now."

Something
in Elliot's words made Christian change his mood again. He didn't hesitate and
followed him.

The
canopy was crowded. There were people already sitting at their tables, and a
lot of them also hanging around. Christian stopped in his tracks. He closed his
eyes. That voice. That beautiful voice that caressed his ears. Was she here? He
opened his eyes again, speechless, and looked at Elliot with pleading eyes.

"Christian,
I think she is in here..."

"Yes..."
Christian said breathless. He walked numbly to the stage; her love words
getting closer and closer.

Dreams are like angels.

They keep bad at bay.

Love is the light

scaring darkness away.

I'm so in love with you.

Make love your goal.

And
then he saw her. She was like an angel. Her dark hair was up in some kind of
bun, showing her delicate flawless neck and shoulders. She was wearing an
incredible lace patterned mask that covered the upper half of her lovely face.
Her full rosy lips moved letting the enchanting words escape. Her chest shook
to the rhythm of the music and her hands caressed the piano keys delicately.
The dress was the same colour that her blush. But her eyes, those big
bottomless pools he remembered so well, were closed.

I'll protect you from the hooded claw,

keep the vampires from your door.

When the chips are down I'll be around

with my undying death defying love for you.

Envy will hurt
itself.

Let yourself be
beautiful

sparkling light, flowers and pearls and pretty girls.

Love is like an energy

rushing in, rushing inside of me.

Ana
sang with all her strength, with all her soul, like she was talking to him. And
then she felt it. She felt that warmth enveloping her, like a shield of
protection. She opened her eyes... and those melting grey eyes, the most
beautiful she had ever seen, were staring at her. Then time seemed to stop.
There were only the two of them in the room; their stares glued to each other.

This time we go sublime.

Lovers entwined divine divine.

Love is danger, love is pleasure,

love is pure, the only treasure.

I'm so in love with you.

Make love your goal.

The power of love.

A force from above

cleaning my soul.

The power of love.

A force from above.

A sky scraping dove.

Flame on burn desire.

Love with tongues of fire.

Purge the soul.

Make love your goal.

Christian
gulped. Those eyes... piercing his soul, warming him. He could not stop staring
at them. His heart pounded so heavy in his chest it seemed it wanted to escape.
When she finished the song, he had arrived at the edge of the stage. He pulled
off the mask from his face, showing his expression of awe, not breaking eye
contact with her. She stood up and reached to him, kneeling in front of him to
be the same height. He removed delicately her mask and she felt shivers at the
contact with his skin. They were both speechless. They kept in silence, staring
at each other, studying all their features. They had changed a little. She was
not a girl anymore; she was a stunning woman but she had the same innocent
captivating eyes. He was more masculine, more attractive if possible, but he
had the same incredible grey eyes. They both draw a dumb smile on their faces,
until someone broke the spell by coughing. Christian shook his head and turned
around. Everyone in the room was looking at them. Elliot had a beaming smile on
his face. The rest of them were frowning or showed an amused expression. Except
Elena, who was scowling.

Christian
and Ana looked at each other again, frowning. Then they both looked at Grace.
She didn't understand what was going on, and Elliot then interceded.

"Ana,
this is my brother Christian. Christian, this is Anastasia Steele, Kate's
roommate." Ana gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. Christian
widened his eyes. "What a coincidence, don't you think so?" Elliot
said amused.

"I...
I didn't know..." Ana was speechless.

"Me
neither. We have to talk." Christian said to Ana. He needed to be alone
with her!

Ana
looked at the other musicians, who were as astonished as the rest of the people
around them. "You can go for a while." Ana nodded and followed
Christian, who took her hand, leading her outside the canopy.

Ana
could feel his hand enveloping hers, warm and firm, but she felt as in a dream.
She was floating in a cloud. Was it real? She looked at him. He had a furrow
between his eyes, as in deep concentration. And he smelt divine. They entered
the house and then into a room that seemed some kind of office. He closed the
door and then looked her in the eye, so intently, Ana felt her skin burn and
her legs go weak. He kept looking at her like this for a while. He was
speechless. He even couldn't breathe properly. She was a vision. He was afraid
of touching her and realize it was a dream. But the feeling of her tiny warm
hand felt good, really good.

"I'm
sorry about the words I wrote... if I only would have known about your
father..." Christian pleaded her pardon.

"You
don't have to apologize at all. In fact, you are paying his treatment. I never
would be grateful enough." Ana felt a load in her chest. She wanted to say
so many things, and she didn't know how to express them. "You had been
always on my mind," She said in a whisper.

"You've
been always haunting my dreams. It was painful because I
couldn't have you, but comforting because I felt less alone," Christian
said breathlessly.

Ana bit
her lip and he could not help it anymore. Grabbing both her hands with his, he
pinned her to the wall and crashed his mouth to hers. Ana moaned and he
deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth with his tongue. They were both
overwhelmed by the sensations; the softness of their lips, the wetness of their
tongues, the sweetness of their unsaid words. Christian let go of her hands and
grabbed her face. Ana intertwined her hands in his soft hair and pulled him
close; he answered tightening his hips to her body and biting her lip, making
Ana moan loudly.

"I
wanted to bite that lip. It's too much delicious to have it only for
yourself," Christian said playfully against Ana's mouth.

They
separated, breathless. Christian caressed Ana's cheek with the back of his
hand.

"I
think we should go to the party again. People must be expecting you,"
Christian said.

"And
you. You are the great Christian Grey!" Ana said smirking. Then, they
realized that everyone out there would be probably talking about them.

"I
think it would be better to stay on our own for the rest of the night."
She sighed.

"Yes,
I think so," Christian said rubbing his face.

"But
I would be waiting for you to call me or to come to my apartment whenever you
want. We have to... talk," Ana said with pleading eyes

"Try
to stop me."

Uff, ¡qué capítulo! ¿no? Estas son las canciones que aparecen en él:

Wow, what a chapter! These are the
songs that appear in it:

Behind blue eyes. The Who / Limp Bizkit. (cuando Christian decide llamar a Elena) Yo prefiero la versión de Limp Bizkit, pero creo que Christian preferiría el clásico de The Who! (when Christian
decided to call Elena) I prefer the one by Limp Bizkit, but I think Christian
would like the classic one by The Who!

Say something. A great big world.

Talking to the moon. Bruno Mars.

Claire de lune. Debussy.

All the good things. Nelly Furtado.

Crush. Garbage. (La canción que suena de fondo en la tienda de discos de Pike Place Market) (The song that sounds in the background at the music
shop at Pike Place Market).

In fact you know my sister, Montse, who told me about your blog. I really love this story that is a perfect mixture between music and 50 shades, and reminds me so much about the original story, the characters...I haven't been able to listen to all the music from the story but I'll do it. And I even have the opportunity to practice my English...a little forgotten lately.Waiting for your next chapter...